Method and system for interrogating and processing codes

ABSTRACT

An interrogating and processing system and method is described. A wireless communication device interrogates an information source, having a barcode or tag, and wirelessly transmits data indicative of the information source. The interrogator can be built into or adjunct to the wireless communication device. An automated processing subsystem receives the transmitted data and identifies an item corresponding to the data. A fulfillment subsystem effects delivery of the item to a destination. There can be a coupon code scanning and processing system and method. A wireless computing device having an interrogator reads a coupon code. An automated processing subsystem receives the corresponding data and provides a benefit associated with the coupon. The benefit can be a discount on a product or service. Alternatively, at least a portion of the coupon including a code is displayed on a screen of the computing device for processing at a point of sale terminal.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. Thisapplication is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/218,307 filed Dec. 12, 2018, which is a divisional application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/266,207 filed Sep. 15, 2016, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,192,209, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/540,444 filed Nov. 13, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,449,317, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/607,507 filed Sep. 7, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,810, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/614,023 filed Dec. 20,2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,936,192 and entitled “Method and System forInterrogating and Processing Codes”, which claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application No. 60/752,337 filed Dec. 20, 2005, and entitled“Method and System for Barcode Scan and Order”, each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to processing coded information, and moreparticularly, to transmitting barcode information from a wireless devicefor subsequent processing.

Description of the Related Art

Barcode devices are used in retail stores at a point of sale (POS)system to identify products that are being purchased by a consumer.Other areas where barcode scanners are used include inventory, shippingand receiving, and fixed asset tracking. Barcode scanners may beseparate devices or may be integrated into a portable data terminal thatcan store multiple barcode data. In either case, the scanner or terminalcan be tethered to a host computer via a cable for providing the barcodedata. The data terminal can alternatively be docked periodically in acradle having a connection to the host computer for providing the data,or can communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetoothor Infrared with the host computer.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, there is a scanning and ordering system, comprising awireless communication device having a scanner configured to scan aninformation source and wirelessly transmit data indicative of theinformation source, an automated processing subsystem configured toreceive the transmitted data and identify an item corresponding to thedata, and a fulfillment subsystem configured to receive information fromthe automated processing subsystem and to effect delivery of the item toa destination.

The wireless communication device may be configured to store shippingaddress data and/or payment information data and/or delivery preferencedata in a data storage. The information source may comprise a barcode.The scanner may scan an information source representative of a shippingaddress and may wirelessly transmit data indicative of the shippingaddress. The scanner may scan an information source representative of adelivery preference and may wirelessly transmit data indicative of thedelivery preference. The scanner may scan an information sourcerepresentative of an item quantity and may wirelessly transmit dataindicative of the item quantity. The scanner may scan an informationsource representative of an item size and/or item color and maywirelessly transmit data indicative of the item size and/or item color.The scanner may scan an information source representative of paymentinformation and may wirelessly transmit data indicative of the paymentinformation. The scanner may scan an information source representativeof a telephone number associated with the automated processing subsystemand may wirelessly transmit data indicative of the telephone numberassociated with the automated processing subsystem.

The information source may comprise a telephone number associated withthe automated processing subsystem. The wireless communication devicemay comprise an input device configured to provide additional data to betransmitted to the automated processing subsystem. The wirelesscommunication device may comprise an input device configured to provideadditional data to be stored in a data storage. The wirelesscommunication device may transmit data via a cellular or personalcommunications service protocol. The destination may be to a user of thewireless communication device and/or to a third party.

The wireless communication device may be a mobile cellular or personalcommunications service telephone having a persistent data storage. Thewireless communication device may be a laptop computer, mobile computer,palm-top computer, hand-held computer, or personal digital assistant.The scanner may be built into the wireless communication device oradjunct to the wireless communication device.

The automated processing system may use interactive voice responsetechnology. The automated processing system may request the wirelesscommunication device to provide additional information about the item.The automated processing system may request delivery preferences fromthe wireless communication device. The automated processing system mayprovide a price total to the wireless communication device. Theautomated processing system may request payment information from thewireless communication device. The automated processing system may sendconfirmation information to the wireless communication device or otherpredetermined location.

The fulfillment subsystem may ship the item via the delivery preferenceprovided by the automated processing system. The fulfillment subsystemmay ship the item via the United States Postal Service.

In another embodiment, there is a scanning and ordering method using awireless communication device having an interrogator, the methodcomprising scanning an information source via a wireless communicationdevice, transmitting data indicative of the information source via awireless protocol, receiving the transmitted data at an automatedprocessing subsystem, identifying an item corresponding to the data, anddelivering the item to a destination. The interrogator may comprise ascanner. The information source may comprise a barcode.

In another embodiment, there is a coupon code scanning and processingsystem, comprising a wireless computing device having a scannerconfigured to scan a coupon code and store data indicative of the couponcode, and an automated processing subsystem configured to receive thedata via a wireless protocol from the wireless computing device andprovide the benefit associated with the coupon corresponding to thedata.

The coupon may correspond to a retail product. The code may comprise abarcode. The wireless computing device may have a mobile wirelesscellular or personal communications service telephone capability. Theautomated processing subsystem may be a point of sale terminal or acoupon kiosk. The scanning of the coupon may be performed outside of abusiness having the automated processing subsystem, or may be performedat a location of a product or service in a business. The scanning of thecoupon may be performed on an electronic display of a coupon. The couponmay comprise a code. The automated processing subsystem may be locatedin a retail business location. The wireless computing device may notifythe user of the device of applicable coupons. The wireless computingdevice transmits the data to the automated processing subsystem via aBluetooth or infrared protocol, or via a cellular or personalcommunications service protocol. The benefit may be a discount on aproduct or service.

In another embodiment, there is a coupon code scanning and processingmethod using a mobile computing device having a scanner, the methodcomprising scanning a coupon code via the mobile computing device,storing data indicative of the coupon code in the mobile computingdevice, transmitting the data to an automated processing subsystem via awireless protocol, and providing a benefit associated with the couponcorresponding to the data. The benefit may be a discount on a product orservice. The code may comprise a barcode.

In another embodiment, there is a coupon barcode scanning and processingmethod using a mobile computing device having a scanner and a displayscreen, the method comprising scanning a coupon barcode via the mobilecomputing device, storing data indicative of the coupon barcode in themobile computing device, displaying at least a portion of the couponincluding the barcode on a screen of the mobile computing device, andproviding a benefit associated with the displayed at least portion ofthe coupon at a point of sale terminal. The benefit may be a discount ona product or service.

In another embodiment, there is a coupon code scanning and processingsystem having a mobile computing device, the system comprising means forscanning a coupon code, means for storing data indicative of the couponcode in a mobile computing device, means for transmitting the data to anautomated processing subsystem via a wireless protocol, and means forproviding a benefit associated with the coupon corresponding to thedata.

In yet another embodiment, there is a interrogation and processingsystem, comprising a wireless communication device having aninterrogator configured to read an information source and wirelesslytransmit data indicative of the information source, and an automatedprocessing subsystem configured to receive the transmitted data,identify an item corresponding to the data, and provide a response tothe wireless communication device based on the item.

The information source may include a barcode that is decoded by thewireless communication device and converted to a uniform resourcelocator (URL) address. The URL address may be indicative of a web pagelisting a product or service on a website. Alternatively, the URLaddress may be indicative of a web page having a coupon for a product orservice on a website. The automated processing subsystem may include aserver configured to receive the data indicative of the informationsource, decode the data and convert the decoded information to a URLaddress. The interrogator may read a bitmap of a URL addresscorresponding with the information source, and the wirelesscommunication device may convert the bitmap to an encoding schemerepresentative of the URL address via optical character recognition. Theresponse may comprise a receipt for a product or service correspondingto the item, or the response may comprise a coupon for a product orservice corresponding to the item. The information source may include abarcode indicative of a geographic location of the information sourceand a telephone number of a transportation entity so as to obtaintransportation services, and the response may comprise anacknowledgement of a transportation pickup. The information source mayinclude an active radio frequency identification tag configured to limita particular business to a specified number of total coupon readings.The information source may include an active radio frequencyidentification tag configured to limit the wireless communication deviceto one reading for a particular coupon. The system may additionallycomprise a fulfillment subsystem configured to receive information fromthe automated processing subsystem and to effect delivery of the item toa destination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interrogator andprocessing system having a wireless communication device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a catalog barcode scan and orderingembodiment of the system and method.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for operating theembodiment shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a product barcode scan and orderingembodiment of the system and method.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for operating theembodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a coupon barcode scan and redemptionembodiment of the system and method.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for operating theembodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an information barcode scan and orderingembodiment of the system and method.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for operating theembodiment shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of certain embodiments presentsvarious descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention. However,the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways.

The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intendedto be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner, simply becauseit is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description ofcertain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodimentsof the invention may include several novel features, no single one ofwhich is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which isessential to practicing the embodiments herein described.

The system is comprised of various modules, tools, and applications. Ascan be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of themodules may comprise various sub-routines, procedures, definitionalstatements and macros. Each of the modules are typically separatelycompiled and linked into a single executable program. Therefore, thefollowing description of each of the modules is used for convenience todescribe the functionality of the preferred system. Thus, the processesthat are undergone by each of the modules may be arbitrarilyredistributed to one of the other modules, combined together in a singlemodule, or made available in, for example, a shareable dynamic linklibrary.

The system modules, tools, and applications may be written in anyprogramming language such as, for example, C, C++, BASIC, Visual Basic,Pascal, Ada, Java, HTML, XML, or FORTRAN, and executed on an operatingsystem, such as variants of Windows, Macintosh, UNIX, Linux, VxWorks,PalmOS, PocketPC, Symbian, Java-based or other operating system. C, C++,BASIC, Visual Basic, Pascal, Ada, Java, HTML, XML and FORTRAN areindustry standard programming languages for which many commercialcompilers can be used to create executable code.

The general concept of interrogation and processing, and in certainembodiments, barcode scan and order (BSO) is as follows. A user with awireless communication device, having a way to interrogate orinteractively read one or more codes or information sources, can performone or multiple transactions with other systems, subsystems orapplications. The wireless communication device can communicate, forexample, via telecommunications, a global computerized network such asthe Internet, Radio Frequency (RF), or Infrared. In certain embodiments,a user with an imaging/scan-enabled cellular or personal communicationservice (PCS) telephone and wireless communications can scan multiplebarcodes found in written materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers,pamphlets, catalogs, posters, etc.), on products, on signage, or labelsto perform one or multiple transactions with other systems orapplications. A barcode is a machine readable representation ofinformation in a visual format on a surface. Various types of barcodesinclude linear barcodes, stacked barcodes and 2D or matrix barcodes,which can be circular, four state or even dataglyphs. Other ways andtypes of coding information are envisioned for use with BSO. For thesake of convenience in this description, other coding schemes will alsobe referred to as barcodes. Embedded in these barcodes is a variety ofinformation. With BSO, the scan-enabled cell phone becomes amini-computer with a powerful in-the-hand input-output device that canperform a variety of transactions including:

-   -   Downloading a telephone number and associated business address        embedded within the barcode;    -   Placing product orders by scanning a series of barcodes that        include the number to call, specifying product characteristics        and arranging for mailing;    -   Using the scan-enabled cell phone capabilities in conjunction        with barcode labels as an input/output access device, for        example to store discount coupon data that a customer uses for        in-store redemption or for mail-in rebates.

Referring to FIG. 1 (and also FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 8), an embodiment of aninterrogator and processing system 100 having a wireless communicationdevice 110 will be described. The wireless communication device 110 isoperated by a user 130 and can include a reader- or scanner-enabledcellular or PCS telephone or a portable computing device havingBluetooth, infrared or a similar communication capability. Thetechnology utilized can include cellular or PCS telephones with readers,scanners, or interrogators 115 (herein forward collectively referred toas scanners), a variety of wireless communications protocols andcustom-built or off-the-shelf applications. The scanner 115 can be builtinto or can be adjunct to the telephone or computing device. Forexample, a Motorola i355 cell phone with a Motorola AC25 scanner can beused in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, such as for Scenario3 (described in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7), the portable computingdevice may be any processor controlled device that permits externalaccess (to other computing devices), including laptop computers, mobilecomputers, palm-top computers, hand-held computers, personal digitalassistants, interactive or web-enabled wireless communications devices,mobile web browsers, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, thescanner 115 can interrogate an active or passive radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag, or the scanner can receive data from aninformation source via infrared communication. The information sourcehaving data associated with a barcode, RFID tag or provided via infraredcommunication can be considered to be a presenter 125.

The scanner 115, for example, can scan barcodes found in informationsources such as written materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers,pamphlets, catalogs, posters, etc.), on products, on signage or labels,and so forth. The barcodes can represent information such as universalproduct code (UPC), price, quantity, product or service detail such ascolor or style, telephone number of an automated call center, URL orsimilar address, coupon or certificate information, and so forth.Alternatively, the information may be obtained by the scanner 115 viaradio frequency or infrared communication. The obtained information canbe stored in the wireless communication device 110 and subsequentlytransmitted via wireless communication 140 to a communication andprocessing subsystem 150. In another embodiment, the information is notstored in the wireless communication device 110, but is transmitted tothe communication and processing subsystem 150. The communication andprocessing subsystem 150 includes a transmitter and receiver forwireless communication with the wireless communication device 110. Theprocessing subsystem 150 can store the information received from thewireless communication device 110 or can store a processed version ofthe received information. The storage of the information at the wirelesscommunication device 110 and/or the processing subsystem 150 will bedescribed herein below. In certain embodiments, the processing subsystem150 provides a response to the wireless communication device 110, suchas, for example, an acknowledgement and/or a receipt for an order for aproduct or service, or a coupon or certificate for a product or service.The processing subsystem may also provide instructions for shipment of aproduct corresponding to the received information to the user 130 or toanother party identified by the user.

Presented below are examples of different scenarios of the system 100 inoperation. These scenarios utilize a scan-enabled cellular or PCStelephone (all example Scenarios) or a portable computing device havingBluetooth, infrared or a similar communication capability (such as forexample the third scenario associated with FIGS. 6 and 7). Referring toFIG. 2, an example system 200, such as to illustrate a first scenario,will be described. A wireless computing device 210 utilized by a user230 can include one or more input devices 218 such as a keyboard, mouse,touch pad, joystick, pen-input-pad, and the like. The computing devicecan also include an output device, such as a visual display 220 and anaudio output (not shown). In certain embodiments, the cellular or PCStelephone and the computing device can both include a processor 214, thedisplay 220, one or more input devices 218, a scanner 215 for barcodesand the like, software 212 stored in a memory, and a persistent datastorage 216. In other embodiments, another type of interrogator of aninformation source can be used. The persistent data storage 216 canstore barcode data 225 that is scanned, which can include productinformation (e.g., part number, size, color, quantity, etc.), shippingpreferences, address information, payment information, and so forth. Thepersistent data storage can also store data that is entered via one ofthe input devices (e.g., keypad).

The wireless communication device 210 communicates the data indicativeof the scanned information of the information source via wirelesscommunication 240 to an automated call center (ACC) 250, such as usinginteractive voice response (IVR) system in certain embodiments. The ACC250 includes a processor 254 that operates using software 252 and datafrom a data storage 256 and/or from the wireless connection 240. The ACC250 provides information to a fulfillment subsystem 260 so as to effectthe delivery of one or more products corresponding to the informationreceived by the ACC via a delivery service 270. In certain embodiments,the delivery service is the U.S. Postal Service.

Example database fields and data types that can be used in a database ofthe wireless communication device data storage 216 and/or the ACC datastorage 256 are as follows:

-   -   Scan_Date—Wireless Communication Device (WCD) registered date        the Product Code is scanned. Stored in the date format        MM/DD/YEAR.    -   Scan_Time—WCD registered time the Product Code is scanned.        Stored in the time format HH:MM:SS.    -   Product Code—UPC product code as defined in uniform commercial        code (UCC) UPC specifications or a custom product code for this        application. Stored as a text field.    -   Price—Price code or actual price associated with the product.        Stored as text field.    -   Qty—Quantity code or actual quantity of product desired. Stored        as text field.    -   Product_Detail_1—Optional product detail selection. Stored as        text.    -   Product_Detail_2—Optional product detail selection. Stored as        text.    -   Product_Detail_3—Optional product detail selection. Stored as        text.    -   Discount_Code—Discount code or actual discount associated with        product. Stored as text.    -   ACC_Dial_Code—Phone number or other communication address for        accessing an ACC. Stored as number.    -   Upload_Status—Record status indicator used for WCD request        status and database maintenance. Stored as text.    -   Payment_Information—Stored as number.

The database may or may not be relational and can be customized for eachapplication, such as for the four scenarios described herein. There areseveral options for wireless handheld database management software. Forthis application, one could utilize a preconfigured database, have thedatabase custom coded, or use an intermediate method where a softwaredevelopment tool is used to create a customizable database. In certainembodiments, the intermediate method is utilized, where the solutionused is somewhat dependant on the operating system (OS) used. Two commonhandheld operating systems are Windows CE and Palm OS. Severalpossibilities for intermediate methods include:

-   -   SQL Server CE    -   Access CE    -   SmartList To Go (DataViz, Inc.)    -   HanDBase (DDH Software, Inc.)    -   MobileDB4 options MobileDB-Excel or MobileDB-Access    -   A customized application of Splash Shopper could also be used        with the Palm OS.

Several possible protocols could be used for wireless communicationdevice uploads to the ACC. In one embodiment, the Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP) is emerging as the dominant standard in the wireless datatransmission protocols market segment and can be utilized for the datatransmission. Other potential alternatives include a Mobile StationApplication Execution Environment (MExE) and a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM) Application Toolkit.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart of an exemplary process 300 foroperating the example system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. In thefirst scenario, the system 200 (FIG. 2) performs the process 300 fordelivery of a product. The person, customer or user 230 has a magazineor other hardcopy document (delivered to their home via mail or fromother source such as a newspaper insert). The person observes a producthe or she wants to purchase in a magazine advertisement at state 302 anddecides to make a purchase at state 304. The person sees that theproduct is scan ordering-enabled. This could mean there is:

-   -   i. A barcode embedded with a 1-800 or other number to call to        place the order;    -   ii. A product barcode(s);    -   iii. Barcodes that represent size, colors or other product        customization choices.

The person activates their cell phone and selects catalog barcode scanand order (CBSO) software at state 306. Proceeding to state 308, thecustomer scans one or more product-related barcodes and the wirelesscommunication device can optionally stores the scanned information in adata storage 310, such as data storage 216 (FIG. 2). Process 300continues at a decision state 312 to determine if the person desires tocontinue shopping. If so, the process 300 moves to state 302 where thestates 302 to 308 can be repeated for another product. If it isdetermined that person has completed selecting products, process 300advances to state 314 where a barcode for the telephone number or othercommunication address of the ACC is scanned, or the person mayoptionally dial the telephone number associated with the ACC. Proceedingto state 316, the wireless communication device uploads the optionallystored product information in storage 310 to the ACC. At state 318, theACC answers and recognizes the call as a catalog scan order, andacknowledges the connection and transfer of data. In certainembodiments, the user does not scan the desired product barcodes untilthis point of the process, such as when the data storage 310 is notused. Proceeding to state 320, while responding to a series of commands,such as instructions for scanning one or more codes, and using thekeypad and barcodes, the person scans their selected product informationand customizes as needed. The customization can include size, color,styles and so forth. The ACC confirms with the person that their orderrequest is correct. Advancing to state 322, the person can make changesas needed and confirms the order.

Moving to state 324 of process 300, the ACC acknowledges the correctorder, sends a price total or receipt information to the person andrequests shipping information. At state 326, the person selects theirshipping address or address barcode from a list of existing addresseswithin their cell phone, scans the barcode on the magazine—if it istheirs, or creates a new address that can be stored in the cell phone.The ACC prompts the person for a United States Postal Service (USPS) orother delivery service request (overnight, two day, parcel, etc.). Theperson makes a selection (the advertisement may include barcodes thatrepresent the mailing options which the user can scan). The ACCrecognizes and verifies where to ship the order. The ACC system handlesthe financial transaction to pay for the product and the shipping viacredit card, electronic funds transfer or other means. The process mayuse a barcode on a credit card, a programmed number or other source thatis transmitted from the cell phone to the ACC as the payment. Thistransaction includes a high level of security incorporated into the cellphone and ACC application. Upon completion of the transaction, the ACCprovides a tracking number and/or a receipt or other response to theperson's cell phone or other predetermined location(s) and thetransaction ends. Proceeding to state 328, the ACC sends the order to afulfillment center 260 (FIG. 2). The fulfillment center ships via theselected delivery service 270 at state 330 and the customer receives theordered product(s). The ACC business may choose to send anacknowledgment card to the person thanking them for their business,confirming the order, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4, an example system 400, such as to illustrate asecond scenario, will be described. A wireless computing device 410utilized by a user includes a scanner 415 used to scan retail productbarcodes 425 or other similar information. Other components of thewireless communication device 410 are similar to that described inconjunction with the wireless communication device 210 of FIG. 2. Thewireless communication device 410 communicates the data indicative ofthe scanned information of the information source, such as retailproducts, via wireless communication to an automatic ordering system(AOS) 450. The AOS 450 receives the data from the wireless communicationdevice 410 and processes the data. The AOS 450 provides information to afulfillment subsystem 460 so as to effect the delivery of one or moreproducts corresponding to the information received by the AOS via adelivery service 470. In certain embodiments, the delivery service isthe U.S. Postal Service. The AOS 450 is also in communication with aretail account subsystem 480.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart of an exemplary process 500 foroperating the example system shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In thesecond scenario, the system 400 (FIG. 4) performs the process 500 forinventory control applications including the delivery of products to abusiness, for example.

Beginning at state 502, a sales representative (rep) enters a locationhaving an inventory of products such as a specialty shop to checkinventory status of multiple products and potentially suggest newproducts to store management. Moving to state 504, the rep selects aninventory/replenishment software application on the wirelesscommunication device 410 (FIG. 4). Using his/her cell phone, the repcalls their company's AOS to connect to the AOS at state 506 and provideinformation notifying the company of the inventory at the store. The repalso obtains instant feedback on what to suggest to the store manager topurchase based on previous sales.

Advancing to state 508, the rep uses his/her scan-enabled cell phone toscan the barcodes of each type of product on the shelves (the process ofscanning products on the shelves is a well-known operation). In certainembodiments, the cell phone immediately transmits the information to theAOS. In other embodiments, the cell phone could accumulate informationand then send the information as a batch or bulk message to the AOS.Proceeding to state 510, the AOS determines the appropriate orderinformation by actions such as running a comparison of the inventorywith the same time of last year's stock levels, or with some othermeasurement criteria, and based on a preexisting agreement with thespecialty shop, the AOS places a restocking order at state 522. The AOSstarts a subprocess to determine delivery needs and requests a level ofdelivery handling, such as requesting fast delivery, to the shop basedon selected criteria, such as portions on order hitting a particularthreshold of product shortage. Other portions of the order can beshipped at a different level of delivery handling (e.g., bulk shipment,drop-shipped from the warehouse, etc.).

In parallel to state 522, process 500 moves to state 512 where the AOSdownloads information to the rep's cell phone suggesting other productsfor the rep to discuss with the store owner. Advancing to state 514,with a catalog in hand or with an electronic catalog on a computer, therep shows the products to the store owner, and at the owner's request ata decision state 516, the rep uses the scan-enabled cell phone to scanbarcodes associated with the additional product order at state 520.Process 500 then continues to state 522 as previously described. If thestore owner or manger decides not to purchase additional products, thedialogue regarding the additional other products ends at state 518.

At the completion of the order creation and shipment information state522, the AOS follows an order validation, verification and shippingprocess similar to the one described in conjunction with FIG. 3 above.Proceeding to state 524, the AOS sends the order to the fulfillmentcenter 460 (FIG. 4) and the retailer account is charged. The AOS usesexisting billing processes to process charges associated with thetransaction, such as via the retail account subsystem 480. Continuing atstate 526, the fulfillment center ships the ordered products via thedelivery service 470, and the retail location receives the order. Incertain embodiments, the AOS 450 provides a receipt or other response tothe wireless communication device 410.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example system 600, such as to illustrate athird scenario, will be described. A wireless computing device 610utilized by a user or customer includes a scanner 615 used to scanretail product coupon codes 625 or other similar information. The couponcodes 625 can be located on coupons (such as in magazines, newspapers,brochures, etc.), in articles, on signage, in electronic mail, or evendownloaded from the Internet. Other components of the wirelesscommunication device 610 are similar to that described in conjunctionwith the wireless communication device 210 of FIG. 2. The wirelesscommunication device 610 communicates the data indicative of the scannedinformation of the information source via wireless communication to apoint of sale (POS) terminal or coupon kiosk 650. The POS terminal 650receives the data from the wireless communication device 610 andprocesses the data so as to provide a discount or provide a rebate tothe user.

Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart of an exemplary process 700 foroperating the example system shown in FIG. 6 will be described. In thethird scenario, the system 600 (FIG. 6) performs the process 700 forcoupon redemption.

Beginning at state 502, a customer identifies coupons of interest inmedia. A coupon as used herein can include an advertisement, an article,etc. that describes a product or service and includes a code, number,barcode or other identifier that correlates a discount with the productor service. The discount can be a 100% discount for a free product orservice. The advertisement, article, etc. can be in electronic format orprinted, and can include signage at the point of display at a business.Proceeding to state 704, the customer selects a coupon storage andmanagement application on the wireless communication device 610 (FIG.6).

Advancing to state 706, the customer reads a newspaper (or other hardcopy, or even electronic copy) and scans coupon barcodes that they maywant to use into their cell phone or other portable computing device.Moving to state 708, the cell phone stores the coupon codes or barcodesin a small coupon storage application (includes plain languagedescription and other details such as product name, value, expirationdate, etc. in certain embodiments). The application makes it easy forthe customer to access the coupons when needed, such as when they visita retail establishment at state 710, delete out-of-date coupons, and caneven prompt a customer that they have a coupon for a similar productthat they are about to purchase as at state 712. Two examples follow:

Example 1—Grocery Store Coupons

-   -   The customer reads the Sunday paper and downloads barcodes for        coupons of items they may decide to purchase.    -   The customer goes to the grocery store and as they select the        type of products they want—for example Mr. XXX Spaghetti, they        use their scan-enabled cell phone or computing device and scan        the product barcode. The cell phone text messages back that they        have a coupon for Mr. YYY Spaghetti at state 712 and the        customer makes a decision to use the product with the coupon.    -   After completing their shopping, the customer goes to the        checkout line and uses the cell phone or computing device        wireless communication capability to transmit the barcodes of        the coupons they have stored in their telephone to the checkout        system at state 714. That system adjusts the price based on the        applicable coupon at state 716. An alternative embodiment of        state 714 can display the coupon on a display screen of the        telephone or computing device for redemption by either a        checkout clerk or the POS.

Example 2—for Coupons with Mail-in-Rebates

-   -   The customer follows a similar scenario as in Example 1 above.        However, instead of an immediate discount, in this case a        company mails a rebate to the customer.    -   When the customer purchases an item, the customer gets the        necessary purchase verification data for the mail-in rebate at        the time of purchase from 1) scanning the barcode on the        purchased item and/or from a wireless transmission from the cash        register to the customer's cell phone (information can include        data such as purchase receipt, the UPC code, date of purchase,        etc.). The cell phone stores this information along with a        telephone number obtained by scanning the product's barcode for        connecting to the rebate center.    -   After the shopping transaction is completed, the cell phone        prompts the customer to call the rebate center to submit the        rebate information. The customer can place the call then or wait        until later. Upon prompting for where to mail the rebate, the        customer provides an address stored in the cell phone and, as        directed by the customer, the rebate center mails the rebate or        activates an electronic funds transfer (EFT).

Referring to FIG. 8, an example system 800, such as to illustrate afourth scenario, will be described. A wireless computing device 810utilized by a user or customer includes a scanner 815 used to scanreference media codes 825 or other similar information. The codes 825can be international standard book number (ISBN) codes, for example.Other components of the wireless communication device 810 are similar tothat described in conjunction with the wireless communication device 210of FIG. 2. The wireless communication device 810 communicates the dataindicative of the scanned information of the information source viawireless communication to a publication or book seller ordering system850. The ordering system 850 receives the data from the wirelesscommunication device 810 and processes the data. The ordering system 850provides information to a fulfillment subsystem 860 so as to effect thedelivery of one or more publications corresponding to the informationreceived by the ordering system via a delivery service 870. In certainembodiments, the delivery service is the U.S. Postal Service.

Referring to FIG. 9, a flowchart of an exemplary process 900 foroperating the example system shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In thefourth scenario, the system 800 (FIG. 8) performs the process 900 toobtain coded data for later use such as ordering publications.

Beginning at state 902, a student/researcher/reader finds references atthe back of a book or other publication for other sources of informationthat he/she wants to purchase. The references can include the Library ofCongress catalog information and an associated barcode. Proceeding tostate 904, the reader selects a scanning software application on thewireless communication device 810 (FIG. 8). Advancing to state 906,rather than the student/researcher recording this information manually,the cell phone application prompts the student/researcher to scan theinformation, such as ISBN, into their cell phone. The wirelesscommunication device 810 stores the scanned information in the datastorage at state 908.

Continuing at state 910 at a later time, the student/researcher goes toan on-line bookstore. The cell phone application, using wirelesscommunication, performs an on-line ordering procedure and sends thebar-coded information to populate the product field. Proceeding to state912, previously described ordering procedures are followed, such asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 3 above. The customer confirms theorder at state 914 and selects the shipping address. The customerselects a level of delivery service at state 916. Alternatively, whenthe ACC asks how the student/researcher would like delivery, the cellphone application populates that data field too, including shipping by aUSPS special service such as Priority mail, first class or some otherservice. Advancing to state 918, the ordering system 850 (FIG. 8) sendsthe order to the fulfillment subsystem 860, which ships the order viathe selected delivery service 870 at state 920. The customer thenreceives the ordered publications. In certain embodiments, the orderingsystem 850 provides a receipt or other response to the wirelesscommunication device 810.

Other examples of using the systems described above are as follows:

-   -   The information from a scanned barcode can be used to access a        website either directly from the wireless communications device        (e.g., cell phone, PDA) which decodes the barcode and converts        to a URL address, or via a server that decodes the barcode and        converts the decoded information to a URL address. This can be        used to order merchandise, download coupons, etc.    -   A scanned URL is used (such as via OCR) to access a website        directly from the wireless communications device. This can be        done to order merchandise, download coupons, etc.    -   Scanned or downloaded coupons can be stored in the wireless        communication device as a whole or partial bitmap, or as a        coupon code/number. Then, at a business POS, the whole or        partial bitmap is displayed on the wireless communication device        screen or the coupon code/number is wireless transmitted to the        POS.    -   The wireless communication device is used to scan barcode on        signs at point of arrival for public transportation (e.g.,        train, bus, airplane). The barcode contains telephone number or        other communication code and location information of arrival        point to contact different public transportation type (e.g.,        limousine) for pickup.    -   The wireless communication device uses a RFID scanner to scan        active or passive tags. With an active tag, the system can limit        a particular store location to a specified number of total        coupon scans and/or one scan for a particular wireless        communication device for the particular coupon.

CONCLUSION

While specific blocks, sections, devices, functions and modules may havebeen set forth above, a skilled technologist will realize that there aremany ways to partition the system, and that there are many parts,components, modules or functions that may be substituted for thoselisted above.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes in the form and details of the systemillustrated may be made by those skilled in the art, without departingfrom the intent of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An incentive offer processing system, comprising:a wireless computing device comprising: an input circuit configured toread an incentive offer and an item code, the incentive offer relatingto an item, and the item code identifying the item; a memory configuredto store data associated with the incentive offer, the stored dataassociated with the incentive offer comprising a representation of theincentive offer and an incentive offer code; a processor configured toreceive the item code and to character recognize the representation ofthe incentive offer to identify a particular incentive offer code, andwherein the processor is further configured to determine whether dataindicative of the particular incentive offer code relating to the itemidentified by the item code is recognized; a display configured todisplay the representation of the incentive offer; and an electronicsubsystem configured to receive the incentive offer code from therepresentation displayed on the wireless computing device and to providea benefit associated with the incentive offer corresponding to the dataassociated with the incentive offer in a transaction involving the itemidentified by the item code.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the itemcode is read at a business location and the incentive offer is read at alocation other than the business location.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the electronic subsystem receives the representation of theincentive offer and wherein the incentive offer is a discount offer or arebate offer.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless computingdevice is configured to wirelessly receive information necessary toobtain a rebate corresponding to the item from the electronic subsystem.5. The system of claim 4, wherein the input circuit is furtherconfigured to read a barcode of the item and obtain contact informationfor a rebate center.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the wirelesscomputing device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the rebatecenter, provide the information necessary to obtain the rebate includingthe information received from the electronic subsystem and provide atleast one of a mailing address for a user of the wireless computingdevice and information to activate an electronic funds transfer to theuser.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the benefit is a discount on aproduct or service.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the input circuitcomprises a radio frequency identification scanner configured to providedata affecting incentive offer usage.
 9. An incentive offer processingmethod using a mobile computing device having a reader and a displayscreen, the method comprising: reading an incentive offer via the mobilecomputing device; character recognizing the incentive offer to identifyan incentive offer code; storing data indicative of the incentive offercode in a memory of the mobile computing device, the incentive offercode relating to an item; storing data associated with the incentiveoffer, the stored data associated with the incentive offer comprising arepresentation of the incentive offer; reading an item code of the item,the item code identifying the item; in response to the incentive offercode related to the read item code being recognized, displaying at leasta portion of the representation of the incentive offer including theincentive offer code on a screen of the mobile computing device; andwherein the displayed at least portion of the representation includingthe incentive offer code on the screen of the mobile computing device isused to receive a benefit associated with the displayed at least portionof the representation of the incentive offer.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the displayed at least portion of the representation of theincentive offer is read at a point of sale terminal.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein data associated with the displayed at least portion ofthe representation of the incentive offer is manually entered at thepoint of sale terminal.
 12. The method of claim 9, additionallycomprising wirelessly receiving, at the wireless computing device,information necessary to obtain a rebate corresponding to the item froman automated subsystem.
 13. The method of claim 12, additionallycomprising reading a barcode of the item to obtain contact informationfor a rebate center.
 14. The method of claim 13, additionallycomprising: wirelessly communicating, via the wireless computing device,with the rebate center including: providing the information necessary toobtain the rebate including the information received from the automatedsubsystem; and providing at least one of a mailing address for a user ofthe wireless computing device and information to activate an electronicfunds transfer for the user.
 15. An incentive offer processing methodusing a mobile computing device having an input circuit and a displayscreen, the method comprising: reading an incentive offer via the mobilecomputing device; recognizing the incentive offer to identify anincentive offer code; storing data indicative of the incentive offercode in a memory of the mobile computing device, the incentive offercode relating to an item; obtaining an item code of the item, the itemcode identifying the item; based on recognizing an incentive offer coderelated to the obtained item code, displaying at least the incentiveoffer code on a screen of the mobile computing device; and wherein thedisplayed incentive offer code on the screen of the mobile computingdevice is used to receive a benefit associated with the incentive offer.16. The method of claim 15, additionally comprising: storing dataassociated with the incentive offer, the stored data associated with theincentive offer comprising a representation of the incentive offer,wherein displaying at least the incentive offer code includes displayingat least the representation of the incentive offer including theincentive offer code, and wherein the displayed representation of theincentive offer is read at a point of sale terminal or is manuallyentered at a point of sale terminal.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinrecognizing the incentive offer to identify an incentive offer codecomprises character recognizing the incentive offer.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, additionally comprising wirelessly receiving, at the wirelesscomputing device, information necessary to obtain a rebate correspondingto the item.
 19. The method of claim 18, additionally comprising:wirelessly communicating, via the wireless computing device, with arebate center including: providing the information necessary to obtainthe rebate including the received information; and providing at leastone of a mailing address for a user of the wireless computing device andinformation to activate an electronic funds transfer for the user. 20.An incentive offer processing system having a mobile computing devicewith a display screen, the system comprising: means for reading anincentive offer via the mobile computing device; means for characterrecognizing the incentive offer to identify an incentive offer code;means for storing data indicative of the incentive offer code in themobile computing device, the incentive offer code relating to an item;means for obtaining an item code of the item via the mobile computingdevice, the item code identifying the item; means for displaying atleast the incentive offer code on a screen of the mobile computingdevice based on recognizing an incentive offer code related to theobtained item code; and wherein the displayed incentive offer code onthe screen of the mobile computing device is used to receive a benefitassociated with the incentive offer from an automated means.